Sanken COS11DBP (battery pack) and H4n using Phantom and Line-In opinion needed

[IanB]

So, the COS11d hasn't gotten a lot of use from me in the last few months, but it was helpful in testing the line-level input on the h4n. OR, should I say the instrument un-balanced input.

Here is the test I have created. One voice sample is using the battery pack for power, then converting the signal into 1/4" TRS plug to use the 'line-level' input on the H4n. The second setup is using the XLR plug in the H4n, and the H4n pre-amps.

I have my own opinion about which one I like, but I wanted to show others and get your opinion on the sound-style.

Also, you should know I recorded this at -24db (to match a reasonable level of 66 on the H4n line-in with the H4n Phantom power set at a level of 40), then pumped them both up 10-12db in Sony Vegas with the slider, no fancy gain/wavehammer/compression put on the sound.

 

[Greg Smith]

Both versions sound excessively sibilant to me.

The second (phantom/XLR) take seems to have more bottom end and I prefer it overall.

- Greg

 

[IanB]

Greg,
thanks for your opinion. I am not sure that I 'like' the fuller sound of the phantom power. It feels colored to me, like the H4n is adding so much more than the neutral tone of my voice.

Good news is that I decided to go whole-hog and picked up the SD702 to replace the H4n. We'll see what that sounds like!
Ian